Now Taurine - 227g

Taurine Free Form Amino Acid

Taurine is a non-essential amino acid, because it is a component of protein that can be manufactured by the body from other amino acids. The exception to this is in newborn infants because they have not established the pathways needed to make this amino acid. For everyone else, just because taurine is non-essential does not mean that the body cannot benefit from its supplementation.

Taurine plays an important role in the metabolism of proteins and neurotransmitters. As a neurotransmitter taurine inhibits nerve impulses thus stopping unwanted nervous reactions like those that cause seizures, hyperactivity and anxiety. In the heart taurine regulates contractions and prevents irregular heartbeats. It also regulates potassium levels, which ensures regularity of the heartbeat. A deficiency of taurine leads to damage in the photoreceptors of the eye. Thus visual impairment can be caused by a lack of taurine. Taurine is a part of the bile acids that are released into the intestine with fatty meals. Bile acids emulsify fat and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Natural health practitioners for heart disease, heart failure, high cholesterol, diabetes, hypoglycemia, epilepsy, anxiety, hyperactivity, high blood pressure and visual impairment recommend taurine.

The biologically active form of taurine is L-taurine. It is commonly found as a powder or in capsules. It may be found in formulas for heart health. It is used with coenzyme Q10 and carnitine for supporting the heart. Vegetarians tend to lack taurine because food sources are animal based. Take amino acid supplements at least 1/2 hour before or after a meal to maximize their absorption. If you take an individual amino acid supplement for longer than one month, add an amino acid complex to the protocol to prevent the deficiency of other amino acids.

What are Amino Acids?
As the building blocks of protein, amino acids are vital to health. Next to water, amino acids in the form of proteins make up the greatest portion of our body weight. They comprise tendons, muscles and ligaments; organs and glands; hair and nails; important bodily fluids, and are a necessary part of every cell in the body.

There are over 20 amino acids, separated into two categories essential and non-essential. Essential amino acids are those that cannot be manufactured by your body, hence, it is essential that you obtain them from your diet. Non-essential amino acids can be manufactured by your body, however, your body must have the right combination of essential amino acids and supporting nutrients to optimize healthy protein maintenance, so supplementation may be desirable.

What is a free-form Amino Acid?
Free-from means the amino acid is in its purest form. Free-form amino acids require no digestion and are absorbed directly into the blood stream.